Battle of Anandpur Sahib

The Emperor called on his troops to account for their cowardice. They pleaded that the Sikhs had taken an unfair advantage of their position in the battle field. At one point the Emperor asked what sort of person the Guru was and what force he possessed. A Mohammadan soldier gave highly colored accounts of the Guru’s beauty, sanctity and prowess. He described him as a young handsome man, a living saint, the father of his people and in war equal to one hundred twenty-five thousand men. The Emperor was much displeased on hearing this elaborate praise of the Guru and ordered that he should be brought to his presence. In the meantime Raja Ajmer Chand made a strong representation to the Emperor for assistance to bring the Guru to submission. Accordingly the viceroys of Sirhind, Lahore and Kashmir were ordered to proceed against the Guru.

Some faithful Sikhs informed the Guru of war preparations as a result of Raja Ajmer Chand’s representationto the Emperor. The Guru made arrangements accordingly and sent for his followers. The Sikhs of Majha, Malwa and Doaba and other places thronged to Anandpur. They were delighted at the prospect of battle, and congratulated themselves on their good fortune in being allowed to die for their Guru and their faith. The Guru affirmed that the death in the battle-field in the name of religion was equal to the fruits of many years’ devotion, and ensured honor and glory in the next world.

The noteworthy point in this whole episode is that the Guru having won battle after battle, never captured an inch of territory, never nurtured enmity, and never attacked anybody as an aggressor. By the creation of the Khalsa he established equality and brotherhood of mankind. The down-trodden segments of the society which were ever ridiculed by the so called high caste Brahmans and Khatris, had now become undaunted saint-soldiers after being baptized by the Guru and joining the brotherhood of the Khalsa. The Brahmans and the hill chiefs considered all this a threat to their very existence. They were, therefore, waging a constant war against the Guru and his Sikhs.

The hill chiefs who arrayed themselves against the Guru were Raja Ajmer Chand of Kahlur, Rajas of Kangra, Kullu, Kionthal, Mandi, Jammu, Nurpur, Chamba, Guler, Garhwal, Bijharwal, Darauli and Dadhwal. They were joined by the Gujars and the Ranghars of the area, and all of them formed a formidable force. The imperial army of the viceroys’ of Sirhind, Lahore and Kashmir came in large number. The chronicler judiciously remarks that the Khalsa must be congratulated because, though few in number, having the blessings of their Guru they had confidence in themselves to fight for their religion, and delighted in anticipation of the approaching conflict. It is recorded that there were ten thousand Sikhs at Anandpur while the opposing army came as strong as fifteen to twenty times in number than the Sikhs

The allied forces fell on Anandpur like locust. On seeing this the Guru ordered his artillery men to discharge their cannon into the hostile army at the thickest spot. The enemy made a charge to seize the artillery, but were quickly restrained by the fatal accuracy with which the Sikhs served their guns. They were supported by the infantry. The city of Anandpur was on a little higher elevation and the allied forces were in the open and had no protection, and consequently fell in heaps. A fierce battle was fought for a few days. The Mohammadan gunners were promised large reward if they killed the Guru but they were unsuccessful in their mission because their gun fire was either high or too low and could not hit the target. The allied army finding their guns useless tried hand to hand fight. On seeing this the Guru began to discharge his arrows with marvelous effect. The fearful carnage continued, horses fell on horses, men on men. The allied forces rallied a strong effort to conquer, but was so vigorously and successfully repulsed that they were obliged to uspend hostilities at the end of each day of warfare. The Mohammadans and the hill chiefs had different opinions as to the cause of the success of the Sikhs. Some thought that the Guru had supreme miraculous power and the supernatural forces fought on his side. Others maintained that the Guru’s success was owing to the fact that his men were protected behind their ramparts. While this discussion was going on, the Mohammadan viceroys decided to storm the fortress where the Guru was stationed. On seeing this the Sikhs put their two guns called Baghan (tigress) and Bijai-ghosh (sound of victory) in position. The aims were taken at the enemy. The tents were blown away and great havoc was caused. On seeing this the Mohammadan viceroys retreated and the hill armies fled. That evening the Guru offered thanksgiving, and beat the drum of victory.

Having failed through dire ct assault, the allied army planned a siege of the city of Anandpur in such a waythat all entrances and exits for both goods and persons were completely closed. This siege took eight months long, and is often known as the War of Sri Anandpur Sahib, which the Mughal Imperial Army, allied with each of the Hill Raja clans except a few launched an all out war against Guru Ji’s Khalsa. The siege numbers were one million soldiers of the Mughal Imperial Army and 10,000 sikhs under the control of the founder of Khalsa. They completely besieged the city, and the Guru’s supplies were failing. Food position became extremely serious and the Sikhs were driven to undertake some dangerous expeditions. They went out at night to snatch provisions from the besiegers. After some time the allies collected their stores at one place and guarded them day and night. When the enemy learnt about the distressful situation of the Sikhs, they planned a different strategy to induce the Guru to leave Anandpur. Raja Ajmer Chand sent his envoy to him saying that if he left Anandpur, their armies would withdraw and he could afterwards return whenever he pleased. The Guru did not pay any heed to this proposal. The offer was repeated several times, but the Guru did not accept it. Having suffered extreme hardships, the Sikhs besought the Guru to evacuate the fort, but the Guru counselled them patience for some time more. The Sikhs who heard enemy’s proposal, went to the Guru’s mother to use her influence on him. She pleaded with him but in vain. The Guru told her that the enemy’s proposal was hypocritical since they planned to draw out the Sikhs from within the shelter of the city and attack them. Some of the Masands and the Sikhs who were influenced by the hill chiefs, insisted that the proposal of the enemy be accepted and the city be abandoned. Some Sikhs became impatient and

Dish eartened. The Guru asked them to declare their allegiance. Forty of them signed a disclaimer saying that the was not their Guru and they were not his Sikhs. After they signed the disclaimer, they were allowed by the Guru to go away. (These 40 sikhs came back at the Battle of Mukstar, and in Sikhi are known as the “Chali Mukte” or 40 immortals. Under the command of a legendary sikh general, they fought 10,000 Mughal Imperial Soldiers, and gave such devasting damage to the enemy, they had no option but to retreat. Guru Ji, in the end blessed them, as they had come back to fight for there protector) Guru Ji then brought out a scheme to expose the hypocrisy of the enemy.

The Guru sent for Raja Ajmer Chand’s envoy and told him that he would evacuate Anandpur if the allied armies would first allow the removal of his treasure and property. The Hindus swore on the Salgram (their idol) and the Mohammadans on the holy Quran, that they would not deceive or molest his servants departing with his property. The Guru then immediately ordered a number of cartloads of useless articles. To the bullocks’ horns were attached torches and at the dead of night, the caravan of bullocks with their loads, started along with some Sikhs accompanying them. When the caravan reached the enemy lines they forgot all their pledges and fell upon the small company of the Sikhs to loot the treasure. Their disappointment was great when they found out that the treasure was made up of rubbish articles. In this way the Guru exposed the treachery of the enemy and told his Sikhs that everything they had endured had been by the Will of God, and he quoted Guru Nanak- “Happiness is a disease, the remedy for which is unhappiness”.

At last came an autographed letter from the Emperor to the Guru- “I have sworn on the Quran not to harm. You. If I do, may I not find a place in God’s court hereafter! Cease warfare and come to me. If you do notdesire to come hither, then go whithersoever you please.” The Emperor’s envoy added that the Emperor promised that he would not harm the Guru. The hill Rajas also swore by the cow and called their idols to witness, that they would allow safe passage to the Guru. The Guru told the enemy,” You are all liars, and therefore all your empire and your glory shall depart. You all took oaths before and then perjured yourselves.”

The Sikhs went again to the Guru’s mother to complain of his refusal to listen to reason. He, however, felt that their pleading was not reasonable but it was not appropriate to accept the terms of the enemy and leave the fort. The Sikhs stricken with hunger, supported the envoy’s representation. The Guru comforted them,” My brethren, waver not, I only desire your welfare. You know not that these people are deceivers and design to do us harm. If you hold a little longer, you shall have food to your heart’s content.” When the Sikhs refused to wait any longer, he asked them to wait only a few days more when the great God would send them relief. The Sikhs, however, refused to wait even for a day. The Guru repeated his request saying that the enemy would then retire and they would all be happy. He also warned the Sikhs,” O dear Khalsa, you are rushing to your destruction, while I am endeavoring to save you.”

The Sikhs were so much hunger stricken that they refused to stay even for a day. The Guru’s mother was also in favor of evacuating the fort. The allied armies sent a Saiyid (a Mohammadan priest) and a Brahman, both of whom were to swear, on behalf of the allied armies, solemn oaths of safe conduct for the Guru should he evacuate Anandpur. On seeing this the Sikhs began to waver in their allegiance to the Guru, and in the end only forty Sikhs decided to remain with him and share his fortunes. He told them that they too might desert him. They refused and said that they would either remain within the fort or force their way out as the Guru directed. He knew that the seed of his religion would flourish. He then finally decided to leave Anandpur and gave orders to his men that they all were to march at night. Sri Anandpur Sahib was finally evacuated on 6-7 Poh, Sambat 1762 (20-21 December, 1705).

Bhai Daya Singh and Ude Singh walked in front of the Guru, Mohkam Singh and Sahib Singh on his right, the second batch of baptized Sikhs on his left. His sons the legendary hereos of Chamkaur, Shaheed Baba Ajit Singh Ji and Shaheed Baba Jujhar Singh Ji followed with bows and arrows. Then came Bhai Himmat Singh carrying ammunition and matchlocks. Gulab Rai, Sham Singh and other Sikhs and relations accompanied him. The rest of the followers brought up the rear, about five hundred in all. The moment the enemy got the news of Guru’s departure, they again forgot all about their pledges and set out in hot pursuit immediately. Skirmishes started from Kiratpur onwards. Realizing the impending danger the Guru charged Ude Singh with the responsibility to check the advance of the enemy. Bhai Ude Singh fought a bloody battle at Shahi Tibbi. The enemy surrounded and killed the dauntless and the bravest of the Guru’s brave warriors, Ude Singh. When the battle of Shahi Tibbi was in progress, the Guru had reached the bank of Sarsa river. At that time a news came that a contingent of enemy troops was fast approaching. Bhai Jiwan Singh, a Rangretta Sikh, was given a band of one hundred warriors to encounter the pursuers. With the rest of his people the Guru plunged into the flooded waters of the Sarsa river. The flood was so strong that many were drowned and many were scattered in different directions including the Guru’s mother with two younger sons, Shaheed Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Shaheed Baba Fateh Singh Ji. Besides, there was a heavy loss of valuable literature and property. The Guru accompanying his two eldest sons and some veteran Sikhs reached the village Ghanaula on the other side of Sarsa river. Apprehending that the route ahead might be beset with danger, the Guru gave Bhai Bachitar Singh a band of one hundred Sikhs and instructed him to march by the direct route to Rupar, whereas he with some veteran Sikhs preferred to take a longer route and reached Kotla Nihang near Rupar to stay with Pathan Nihang Khan who was an old and sincere devotee of the Sikh Gurus. Bhai Bachitar Singh and his men had to fight their way through a cordon of the Ranghars of Malikpur, a village near Rupar, and the Pathans of Rupar. During the fierce fighting that took place on this occasion, majority of the Sikhs fell dead and Bachitar Singh was mortally wounded.

The Guru did not stay long at Kotla Nihang. It seems that he was to proceed to Machhiwara and Rai Kot. Accompanied by his two eldest sons and forty Sikhs, the Guru halted at Bur Majra after Kotla Nihang. A news was received that a large body of Sirhind troops was chasing them. Immediately the Guru decided to face the enemy from within the Garhi of Chamkaur and he hurried towards it. He was well aware of the importance of this Garhi (mud fortress) as he had, on a previous occasion, fought a battle at this place.

New Delhi, December 19

In a meeting with the PM weeks after becoming the Army Chief, Gen MM Naravane sounded out in early 2020 about the ‘Tour of Duty’ scheme for inducting soldiers for short-term tenure but months later the PMO came out with a formulation with a much wider scope to include all the three services.

Jairam slams govt

Citing Gen Naravane’s memoir, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said the ex-Army Chief had confirmed what had been commonly believed when the Agnipath scheme was bulldozed through without meaningful consultations with those who were being directly impacted.

This is what former Army Chief Gen Naravane says in his memoir ‘Four Stars of Destiny’ while elaborating on the birth of the ‘Agnipath’ recruitment scheme — considered India’s most radical military recruitment policy.

Naravane notes that various models of the scheme were deliberated upon and the Army’s initial view was that 75% of the personnel to be recruited could be retained while 25% should be released.

In June 2022, the government rolled out the Agnipath recruitment scheme for short-term induction of personnel with an aim to bring down the age profile of the three services. It provides for recruiting youths between the age bracket of 17-and-half years and 21 for four years with a provision to retain 25% of them for 15 more years.

In the book, published by Penguin Random House India, Naravane also recalled that the first year’s starting salary for the inductees was kept at just Rs 20,000 per month (all-inclusive) and that was “not acceptable”.

“Surely a soldier could not be compared with a daily wage labourer? Based on our very strong recommendations, this was later raised to Rs 30,000 per month,” he says.

Guru Tegh Bahadur’s Martyrdom Day 2023: सिखों के नौवें गुरु तेग बहादुर सिंह का शहादत दिवस आज मनाया जा रहा है। इस दिवस को शहीदी दिवस के रूप में मनाते हैं गुरु तेग बहादुर नौवें सिख गुरु थे और सिख धर्म के संस्थापकों में से एक थे। गुरु तेग बहादुर जी का जन्म 1621 में अमृतसर में हुआ था। उनके पिता छठे सिख गुरु, गुरु हरगोबिंद थे। वह एक कवि और गहरे आध्यात्मिक थे। उनकी बहादुरी, गरिमा, मानवता, गरिमा और मृत्यु आदि के बारे में विस्तार से लिखा है जिन्हें गुरु ग्रंथ साहिब में शामिल किया गया है। मुगलों के खिलाफ बहादुरी से लड़े गुरु तेग बहादुर जी की पुण्यतिथि पर पढ़ें उनके कुछ अनमोल विचार।

गुरु तेग बहादुर जी के अनमोल विचार

• गलतियां हमेशा क्षमा की जा सकती हैं, यदि आपके पास उन्हें स्वीकारने का साहस हो।
• अपने सिर को छोड़ दो, लेकिन उन लोगों को त्यागें जिन्हें आपने संरक्षित करने के लिए किया है। अपना जीवन दो, लेकिन अपना विश्वास छोड़ दो।
• आध्यात्मिक मार्ग पर दो सबसे कठिन परीक्षण हैं, सही समय की प्रतीक्षा करने का धैर्य और जो सामने आए उससे निराश ना होने का साहस।
• सफलता कभी अंतिम नहीं होती, विफलता कभी घातक नहीं होती, इनमें जो मायने रखता है वो है साहस।
• एक सज्जन व्यक्ति वह है जो अनजाने में किसी की भावनाओं को ठेस न पहुंचाए।
• एक सज्जन व्यक्ति वह है जो अनजाने में किसी की भावनाओं को ठेस न पहुंचाए।
• दिलेरी डर की गैरमौजूदगी नहीं. बल्कि यह फैसला है कि डर से भी जरूरी कुछ है।
• हार और जीत यह आपकी सोच पर निर्भर है, माव लो तो हार है छान लो तो जीत है।
• डर कहीं और नहीं, बस आपके दिमाग में होता है।

Indian Couple Reacts To Concept of God in Sikhism Hindi/Urdu – Dr Zakir Naik

Hindu 🕉️ Woman Show Love For Guru Gobind Singh & Guru Teg Bahadur ji & chaar sahibzaade shaheedi

Hindu 🕉️ Woman talking about Sikhism || chaar sahibzaade movie

ਸਾਧਵੀ ਦੇਵਾ ਠਾਕੁਰ ਨੇ ਕੀਤਾ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਹਰਿਮੰਦਰ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਜਾ ਕੇ ਕੇਸ ਰੱਖਣ ਦਾ ਐਲਾਨ ! ਪੰਜਾਬੀਓ ਤੁਹਾਨੂੰ ਹਿਲਾਕੇ ਰੱਖ….

Jain 🕉️ sadhu talking about Sikhs 🏰 || 250000000 ka free desi ghee for gurdwara 🏰 langeR

Hindu talking about Sikhs || hindu mandir vs sikh gurdwara

Officials of senior ranks should not wear military heritage on their sleeves while navigating the rough and tumble of politics.

LT GENERAL PRAKASH MENON19 December, 2023

Text Size: A- A+

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra is supposedly inviting about 8,000 people for the Ram Mandir opening ceremony on 22 January 2024. From Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Reliance chairman Mukesh Ambani, the list includes prominent figures from varied fields as well as families of 50 ‘Kar Sevaks’ and a representative each from 50 countries. The invitation has also gone out to former chiefs of the armed forces, a step worth recounting in the broader framework of civil-military relations.

It is verified that a flag rank veteran called up the former chiefs, seeking to ascertain their inclination to attend the function. It is understood that most of them declined. Those who indicated their willingness or did not directly turn down the invite have received a formal invitation. In terms of civil-military relations, the question that arises is an ethical one: How will the attendance of former chiefs at the 22 January event impact the secular and apolitical foundations of India’s military institution?

Before attempting to answer this, it becomes necessary to underscore the current political and religious scenario at the national level. India’s constitutionally secular foundation has been under contestation for some time now, deepening religious polarisation. This divide is increasingly reflected in the conduct of domestic politics, unravelling the national social cohesion. This is especially after the 1992 demolition of the Babri Masjid by Hindu mobs supported by political communities seeking a constitutional interpretation that favoured a Hindu majoritarian agenda.

The Ayodhya temple issue has found legal closure both symbolically and historically. But the 22 January consecration ceremony marks a major ‘victory’ for a significant portion of the Hindu population over the perceived ravages of ‘Muslim rule’ in pre-Independence India. The timing of the consecration is expected to provide electoral tailwinds to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the 2024 Lok Sabha election. The context is not only religiously charged but also carries definite political implications.

1. Due to inadequate allotment in the last budget the fund balance with RCs all over the country and with MD ECHS Delhi is NIL
2. In Oct 2023 the pending bills with MD ECHS were worth over Rs 1800 crores and in Mid December 2023 the pending bills were worth over Rs 2400 crores . If no funds are allotted in the current session of Parliament the pending bills will rise to over Rs 4000 crores before 31-03-23 . It may result to a pathetic situation for ECHS Members all over in the Veterans’ community.
3. In Oct 2023 IESL HQ DELHI has written to all higher authorities including Secretary ESW expressing great concern about pending bills with MD ECHS and appealed to him and to all concerned including GOI for allotment of funds to MD ECHS on priority but unfortunately till 16-12-23 no intimation was received by MD ECHS about the allotment of required funds for ECHS .
4. WE on behalf of the ECHS Members ARE AGAIN APPEALING TO Govt of India to be considerate and to allot the funds, demanded by MD ECHS, in the current session of Parliament
5. The ECHS Members are upset, disturbed and are highly demoralised due to non availability of funds and due to accumulation of pending ECHS bills touching sky high
6. Veterans all over the Country are requested to approach the MPs of their area to take up this urgent and genuine case of ECHS Members in the current session of Parliament
7. Please circulate this post further and further so that this appeal could reach Govt of India for action on priority

With regrets

Col C T Arasu (Retd)
President of Indian Ex-Services League Tamil Nadu and Senior Vice President in the National Unit of Indian Ex-Services League Delhi
17-12-23
9360068354
9444891760

MUST READ THIS ARTICLE POSTED ON ANOTHER GROUP*

*The whole idea of #Agniveer is the brain child of Kunwar Vikram Singh Chairman #capsi.*

In fact, that time, I was working on a model of employing ex servicemen for global opportunities. I had gone to discuss with him for his help to negotiate with central govt to change certain policies to allow training in India for such jobs. That time in detail, I told him about huge existing opportunities.

Only barrier was Indian laws do not permit training in automatics specially of western origin. This barrier was forcing us to have such certificate training in foriegn land. This is where, I had discussion with some companies of Israel and Poland. Vikram Singh also had discussion with few companies in Middle East, USA and Australia.

That time UPA was in power. Things did not find favour from central govt. Their stand was ex servicemen are paid pension hence govt shall not allow their use as mercenaries as this may create, in long terms a security threat to India herself.

Then came govt change. Vikram Singh probably pushed it to RSS. They liked the idea. They were in any case trying to use ex servicemen as their Shakha Prabandhak. The idea that some pro RSS corporate house like Adani, Ambani, InfoSys, Mahendra can employ Agniveers as security guards and on weekends they xan attend RSS Shakhas. This way without spending money, RSS will be able to raise a private army of almost 2 lakh agniveers over say 5 to 7 years.

Second objective is that it will dilute caste based regiments and in few years these will be converted into mixed Regts naming them after RSS promoted Indian heroes like Baji Rao Regt.

The farmers agitation triggered fast action. One sepoy of Jat Regt posted a vdo loading rifle to support farmers. Reports of many serving soldiers supporting farmers created panic in RSS. In fact restlessness among serving soldiers forced modi to withdraw farmers bills.

Result. Inspite of Army’s reservation, they imposed the scheme of Agniveers over army with help of few key Generals. Internally there was big opposition to scheme. That’s why you find not much detailed deliberation about the scheme was done.

So here we have this Agniveers who will later be hired by Adani and Ambani and others to help Modi and RSS have their own private army. But they are not realising that many global private military companies are already planning to offer better opportunities to Agniveers.

Why shall an #Agniveer work for Adani say for Rs 15000 per month when he can get Rs 70000 in global market. This is where it opens a pandora box. Wherein, we will soon see rise of Modern Pindaris (Mercenories) in global scene. Legally govt can not stop agniveers joining foriegn armies or mercenaries. I have no doubt such bands of private soldiers will be easily exploited to the extent of creating threat to India herself. But these idiots are not open to discussions and reason. God bless India.

*Is he the same character who authored the AV Singh Committee Report???*

Indian Navy’s missile boats (INS NIPAT) hitting Karachi port during operation Trident
New Delhi: Vijay Diwas, celebrated on December 16th every year, commemorates India’s resounding victory in the 1971 Indo-Pak war, a historic event that led to the liberation of East Pakistan, now Bangladesh, after the devastation of Karachi Port, which was scripted solely due to the determined leadership of then Naval Chief Admiral Nanda.
Brainchild of then Naval Chief Admiral Nanda, Operations Trident and Python were at the core of India’s victory in 1971, leading to the decisive triumph of India over Pakistani forces and the surrender of the enemy on December 16, 1971 and the creation of Bangladesh from the erstwhile East Pakistan.
– Every year, the nation celebrates Vijay Diwas on 16th December. But do we know the story behind the valour that brought victory for India in the 1971 war against Pakistan?
– Brain child of then Naval Chief Admiral Nanda, Operations Trident and Python were at the core of India’s victory in 1971, leading to surrender of Pakistani Army on December 16, 1971 and the creation of Bangladesh from the erstwhile East Pakistan.
– The trail of devastation left behind by Operations Trident and Operation Python sent a shiver down the spine of Pak establishment. Karachi Port kept burning for seven days. It displayed the strategic prowess and determination of the Indian Navy under the stellar leadership of Admiral Nanda.
This incredible feat was accomplished greatly because of the valour, determination and action-oriented stellar leadership of Admiral Nanda. The Indian Navy devastated Karachi Port, the citadel of Pakistani military establishment and economy, demonstrating his strategic prowess and unwavering determination to take on the enemy head-on.
Operations Trident and Python – an excellent strategic and meticulous war planning of Admiral Nanda – changed the course of war. The trail of devastation left behind by the most audacious attack by the heroes of Admiral Nanda sent a shiver down the spine of Pak establishment. Karachi Port kept burning for seven days. It displayed the strategic prowess and determination of the Indian Navy under the stellar leadership of Admiral Nanda and scripted a rare victory in the world’s war time annals.
On December 3, 1971 Pakistan had launched an unprovoked attack on Indian airfields. India faced challenges from both West Pakistan and East Pakistan and was left with no choice but to respond with decisive force. Known for his aggressive and action-oriented leadership, Admiral Nanda, popularly known as Charles Nanda, went for a swift and bold attack on the enemy on December 4 – Operation Trident.
Admiral Nanda decided the deadly attack on the Karachi harbour to ensure a complete blockade on the Pakistani Navy, effectively cutting the western command from East Pakistan. In the Eastern theatre, he planned the deployment of the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant in the Gulf of Bengal off East Pakistan to open a front from seaward to completely blockade it and prevent reinforcements – ammunition and all supplies from reaching it. Karachi Port burnt for seven days, leaving Pakistani forces and economy totally crippled. It displayed the strategic prowess and determination of Admiral Nanda.
The 1971 War was the only war in which the Indian Navy took part and brought rare laurels to the nation. Touted as one of the world’s most daring war strategies, Operations Trident destroyed and sank battle-class destroyer PNS Khaibar, ammunition carrier Venus Challenger, an adjutant-class minesweeper PNS Muhafiz, and destroyer PNS Shah Jahan.
Operation Python launched on the night of December 8-9, 1971 proved the last nail in Pakistan’s coffin. Admiral Nanda showed extreme courage and valour to go back and attack the enemy in his citadel a second time. The Indian Navy assaulted the gathering of boats off the shoreline of Karachi. Pakistani armada tanker PNS Dacca was destroyed and the Kemari oil storage was again put on fire, bringing complete devastation to Karachi port. India endured no misfortunes.
The ferocious and swift Operation Trident proved and achieved what Admiral Nanda had said two years ago in a media interview in 1969 when he was the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Western Naval Command: “…You have my word that given the opportunity, the Indian Navy will make the world’s biggest bonfire of it.” He proved, accomplished and showed to the world the mettle he epitomized.
Rightly hailed and revered as the ‘Man Who Bombed Karachi’ Admiral Nanda was awarded Padma Vibhushan, the second highest civilian award, for his outstanding courageousness during the war.
However, fifty-two years on, what continues to disappoint Naval veterans is the sordid denial of the of ‘Admiral of the Fleet’ honour to Indian Navy and then Naval Chief, who planned and executed Operation Trident and Python with finesse on the night of December 4, 1971, recording the only victory in the annals of maritime war.
A befitting acknowledgement of the magnificent services and extraordinary leadership Admiral Nanda provided to the Indian Navy during the most critical juncture in the nation’s history will be the conferment of most deserving and long awaited ‘Admiral of the Fleet’ honour upon him posthumously which will also serve as an inspiration for the future generations of naval officers.